Reno, Nevada Child Custody Attorney Marta Presti

Reno NV Child Custody Attorney Washoe County Nevada Paternity and Parental Rights Lawyer

Child Custody Issues
for Unmarried Parents

When a man acknowledges that he is a child's father on a birth certificate, or when he is shown to be the father through a paternity test, he is legally established as the father. However, this does not give the father specific custody or visitation rights.

Often, when he and the child's mother end their relationship, the mother files for child support and the father responds with a request for parenting and visitation rights. Unfortunately, many men do not realize that their parental rights were not established at the same time their paternity was.

I represent unmarried mothers or fathers who are involved in child custody or visitation disputes or with other issues involving child custody and parenting.

I have been practicing family law since 1976. Through the years, I have gained valuable insight into the relationships between parents and their children, and into how those relationships can be protected in court. I use this knowledge and my extensive legal experience to help my clients resolve their parenting issues in a way that protects their families and their children.

I represent mothers and fathers throughout northwest Nevada in a wide variety of child custody and visitation issues. My experience includes handling child custody matters related to unmarried parents, parents who are going through divorce, and those who need to make changes to their child custody or visitation arrangements after a previous court order.

If you would like to speak with a lawyer about your child custody concerns, please call my firm at (775) 323-7311 to arrange a consultation. Or, contact me by e-mail and I will be in touch with you promptly.

I Handle a Broad Spectrum of Child Custody Issues in Northwest Nevada

I am well-versed in virtually every type of child custody matter a mother or father could experience. Please contact me for legal assistance regarding:

  • Parental relocation - When one parent needs to move to another part of the state or another state, child custody and parenting arrangements will have to change.
  • Child custody issues when parents live in different states - The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) determines which state has jurisdiction over child custody cases. It is essential to understand what state's laws apply when there are disagreements.
  • Enforcement of visitation - This includes enforcement of visitation when the custodial parent refuses visitation to the non-custodial parent without a court order.
  • Motions to deny visitation - This could happen when the custodial parent wishes to refuse visitation to the non-custodial parent. This situation could involve claims of drug use or abuse.

When can you change who has child custody?

In Nevada, generally, changes to child custody may be obtained, given two requirements are met. These requirements are:

  • A substantial change in circumstances relating to the child
  • Proof that the change in custody would be in the active best interest of the child—meaning that changing custody or visitation would actually improve the child's health, safety, or well-being

I represent parents who are requesting changes to their original child custody orders, as well as those who oppose requested changes. The two requirements that may result in modification can be met in many situations, such as when:

  • A child has reached his or her teenage years and wishes to live with the other parent
  • A child is performing poorly in school due to parental fault
  • The custodial parent is abusing drugs and/or alcohol
  • Physical and/or emotional abuse is present
  • The child is being neglected

If you need help with initial determination of child custody, a change to your child custody or visitation arrangements, or a resolution to a visitation dispute, I invite you to contact me for a consultation. My office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00-4:30, and evening and weekend appointments are available by arrangement.

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Law Offices of Marta Presti
Attorney at Law

Helping families since 1976 

3500 Lakeside Court, Suite 150
Reno, NV 89509-4865
Map and Directions
Phone: (775) 323-7311 | Fax: (775) 828-7310

Reno divorce and family law attorney Marta Presti represents people throughout northwest Nevada in communities such as Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Minden, Gardnerville, Fallon, Fernley, Yerington and Fallon Naval Air Station.
Washoe County | Lyon County | Douglas County | Carson City

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.